Three years ago, I wrote in this column: "I can't imagine showing up at a fine-dining room with a birthday cake in tow."

And this month, I did just that. While Saltgrass Steak House will never be confused for its Landry's-owned sib Vic & Anthony's, it is not Chuck E. Cheese either.

For my mother's 75th birthday, I invited her siblings and friends for a lunchtime celebration. When making the reservation, I asked about the availability of a cake. The manager who was handling my reservation suggested that I bring my own birthday cake.

On the day of the event, I toted in a cake that, without prompting, our most excellent server Elizabeth stowed in a fridge. Ninety minutes later, the cake reappeared and Elizabeth served it with much enthusiasm and sense of humor (could I have picked a more messy cake?).

So here's a shout-out to Elizabeth and the rest of the accommodating staff at Saltgrass, 8943 I-10 W. Thanks for making my mom's birthday party a success.

(Full disclosure: Management had no idea what I do for a living and I tipped $100 on a $250 check.)

This reader's forum is a chance to become a restaurant critic or ask other dining-wise readers for suggestions. Send letters to syd.kearney@chron.com or to Syd Kearney, P.O. Box 4260, Houston, TX 77210. Please print your full name and a daytime phone number.